Chris Barham
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan ▷
Ruapuke Beach Motor Camp
A lovely spot in a sheltered valley.
The powered sites are very limited - 3 I think!! It's all a bit shabby, but then everything works. I just don't think it's worth the $30 pp per night for a powered site.
Beware that the local beach does not allow dogs due to ground nesting birds.
A huge issue is the very poor state of the accessed driveway, especially the two hills. I could not tow my tiny Basecamp caravan out with my 2WD car. There is way too much shingle and no compacted surface. Bumps and ruts from other vehicles would make it hard for any 2WD towing vehicle or motorhome to get out.
PS: there was no problem with the unsealed road to the campsite.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
The Store
The campsite area has a slight slope but it's not too bad.
Be aware that the toilet and shower block is at one end of the campsite and not centrally placed. The views of the ocean are to die for which is why you would come here. However, be sure to pack earplugs. SH1 runs alongside the campsite and you get the constant noise of trucks breaking for the S- bend over the railway overpass. Plus there are 2 or 3 trains per night which will definitely wake you. The result was a very poor night's sleep.
Also, while the showers are strong and hot, the ventilation in the shipping container they are built in is woefully inadequate with the result it turns into a suffocating sauna. I was glad to move on after one night.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Havelock Holiday Park
I'm not sure why this place gets such a low score.
The site is immaculate and the facilities are brilliant. There's a huge kitchen area that is spotlessly clean, and the showers are fantastic. It is a very easy walk to any part of Havelock and it's quiet. My only comment is that it is on the upper end of the cost scale, but you do get what you pay for.